here is something for those just starting out with curvy
download this file(tested with beta 2.15 and curvy 1.5)
http://www.banjosculptor.info/hnecel.CVYit is just a group of lathes.
you can select the curves and play with them.

then you can do a quick merge all (curvy 2)on them and play with the mesh tools

just have fun seeing what the different tools do.
if you do most of the blocking out of the form while they are still curves
you will see how easy curvy can make things.